2013 Ohio HS Football Preview

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Region 21 Preview

Teams To Watch

*Bellaire (8-3, Region 17 quarterfinalist): The Big Reds snapped a five-year absence from the playoffs last year and beat rival Martins Ferry for the first time in six years. This season look for them to contend for a Week 11 win and more. Sound familiar? Bellaire will rally around a standout QB-WR duo in seniors Spencer Badia (5-9, 175) and Nick Patrone (5-9, 160). Badia threw for 3,001 yards and 24 TDs last year, while Patrone caught 66 passes for 1,009 yards and seven TDs. Patrone also had 58 tackles, six INTs, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles on defense as a DB. Junior WR Hunter Westlake (6-2, 175) will catch plenty of balls as well. Senior DB Kenny Hess leads the defense.

*Beverly Fort Frye (10-1, Region 17 quarterfinalist): The Cadets earned the school’s first playoff berth since 2000 and second ever last season before falling to Kirtland in the regional quarters. Expect another run – and maybe a longer one. In addition to returning four of five OL starters, the Cadets bring back senior QB Chandler Lang (5-11, 175). A two-time All-PVC and All-OVAC selection, Lang threw for 1,304 yards and 16 TDs and ran for 824 yards and 15 TDs last year. He also kicked 30 PATs and had 111 tackles. The defense – led by junior DL Luke Yates (6-1, 180) – will be very experienced too.

*Columbus Ready (7-3, Region 14 quarterfinalist): The Silver Knights are poised for a big run. Where to start? Senior OL/DL Brady Taylor (6-5, 267) is one of the state’s top line prospects regardless of class and owns over 20 offers including Kentucky, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Indiana, Illinois, South Florida, Boston College, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. The offense is led by senior QB Matt Yoho (6-3, 190), who threw for 1,100 yards and accounted for 21 TDs last season, and senior RB Akili Taylor (5-9,190), who ran for 1,125 yards and 10 TDs. Senior DB Kelly Culbertson leads the defense. Ready opens with Newark Catholic and closes with Columbus Hartley.